Meet the DCSA Executive Committee

Hi, I’m Katie, a Linguistics PhD student specialising in Forensic Phonetics and Queer Linguistics. I’ve moved around for much of my life (so from nowhere in particular) but I currently live in Windsor. When I’m not working on my PhD or doing DCSA related things, you can usually find me singing, listening to music or enjoying a drink with my friends at DarBar. If you’ve got any questions about the DCSA or college, feel free to pop me an email or come and say hi!

The President is the representative of the DCSA to College, voicing the opinions of the students to all College members. They coordinate the committee by chairing DCSA Regular Meetings and General Meetings. The President works very closely with the Secretary, Treasurer, and the rest of the committee to ensure work is completed. The President sits on the College Council as a student representative, attends fortnightly Cambridge Students’ Union meetings, and sits on numerous College committees (including Strategic Planning, PREVENT, Health & Safety, and Wine).

Hi, I'm David, and I'm a Physics PhD student from Essex working on defect centres in diamonds- in short, I get to shoot lasers at diamonds. When I’m not stuck in a windowless lab I'm usually playing bass, reading books, or building Lego.

The Secretary is the administrator of the committee and the Vice President (chair meetings and run the committee in the absence of the President). They run DCSA elections, take meeting minutes, and ensure that up-to-date records of the DCSA’s affairs are maintained, including policy documents and the DCSA Constitution, Schedule, & Regulations. The Secretary also sits on the Buildings & Grounds and the Darwin College Society Committees; and is in charge of the TV room and its bookings.

Hey all! I’m Kerem, a second-year PhD student in materials science, working on the synthesis and characterisation of artificial skin. Outside of work, you might find me working at the Darbar, punting around with friends chasing the swans or training for the Cambridge marathon.

The Treasurer is responsible for managing the finances of the DCSA, including drafting the annual budget, publishing periodic expense reports, and assessing the financial feasibility of projects. They are responsible for ensuring timely reimbursements and payments of invoices and for maintaining accurate financial records. The Treasurer also sits on the College Finance Committee.

Hi there! In my third year of doctoral studies on the undeciphered writing of the Bronze Age in Greece, I am usually to be found working about the parlour or gardens unless I am out on the Cam. An excellent punter, a tolerable student and a dismal musician, beyond enjoying the outdoors I have pretensions at assorted literary and artistic pursuits and am always up for a chat about anything.

The Admiral of the Punts is responsible for all the punt club's vessels, including punts, kayaks, canoe, paddle boards, and associated equipment. They manage Punt Club membership, finances, and administration, and they work with several trusted Captains to ensure the vessels are maintained and to organize social events throughout the year. Have a look at our website if you’d like to learn more about the Darwin Punt Club.

The BAME officer works with college to further the needs of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour’ (BIPOC) students, to create initiatives through which we can create a space that allows BIPOC students to reach their full potential, and better the everyday experience of life in Cambridge, as well as to figure out ways to deal with structural racism and increasing access for BIPOC.

The Comms Officer is responsible for sending out the WhatsUp email blasts, maintaining the website, and otherwise attending to DCSA communication needs such as sitting on the college Information Services Committee. Please get in touch if you’d like to share something in WhatsUp or for any other communication-related needs. Speaking of which don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list!

Hi, I’m Seema, a PhD student in Medical Sciences at the CRUK CI, originally from the beautiful island of Mauritius. When I’m not busy with my PhD, I love curling up with a good book, baking, or tending to my ever-growing plant collection (I’m a proud plant hoarder who refuses to let the occasional plant mishap stop me!). If you have a disability—whether diagnosed or not, visible or non-visible—and would like to discuss about available resources, support, or navigating life as a student with a disability, or chat about anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to assist in any way I can!

The Disabilities Officer is a position to support other DCSA officers and the college to improve accessibility for, and inclusivity of, students with any disability or long-term health condition.

The Ents Officers coordinate, organise, and promote the Darwin BOPs. They are responsible for the music, decorations, security, and finances. They also work with the Events Officer to host other events throughout the year. Darwin BOPs are known for their vibrant atmosphere and original themes and they always have the most popular Cambridge bands performing. Think live music, themes, drinks, DJs, raffles, good vibes and dancing until the early morning... Reach out to them if you have any ideas! One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

I’m Kilian, a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering working on heat exchangers for hydrogen planes. I love watching planes and travelling in (hopefully electric) trains, playing volleyball, reading/listening to podcasts on climate, energy and politics. I’ve recently discovered meditation and love hearing about how climate enters (or doesn’t) into people’s travel decisions. If you know anyone who’s hesitating to get an electric car, a heat pump or solar panels I’d love to help figure out if it’s right for them!

The Environmental & Ethical Affairs Officer is responsible for the coordination and implementation of measures to address environmental and ethical issues, and organises college events promoting awareness of these issues. Please feel free to get in touch and share an issue that you feel passionate about, so that they can support you in sharing it with the Darwin community. They oversee the Gardening Society and sit on the Buildings & Grounds, Meals and IT committees.

The Events Officer coordinates, organises, and promotes social and entertainment activities in college, including the May Week Garden Party, summer BBQ, and other smaller events throughout the year. They also administer the DCSA’s College Calendar.

The External Officer is responsible for organising formal swaps with other Colleges, and for hosting other Colleges when they visit Darwin for formal swaps. They also represent the DCSA at Cambridge Students’ Union meetings.

The Families Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students with families - those with partners and/or children of all ages. They work to involve students with families in college events and organise events aimed at these students. See the families guide for lots of useful information.

The International Officer is responsible for representing the needs of international students (e.g. internal collegiate administrative matters - such as testing for international students), providing welfare support and organising events for fellow Darwinians which highlight cultural diversity. They also serve as a chair on the international crisis committee wherein international students speak about pertinent world affairs (e.g. political conflicts within their home countries).

The role of the Q+ Officer is to act as a representative for the interests of LGBTQ+ students at the college level, as well as to organise social events, mixers and workshops benefiting the college’s LGBTQ+ community. Importantly, should any student have the slightest concern about their ability to express their gender or sexual identity in college, Joe is always there to chat, advise and help out where possible.

Hi all! I am Laura, an enthusiastic and curious PhD student in Stem Cell Biology. I have always been fascinated by the only fluid tissue of our body, the blood. My PhD aims at understanding the mechanisms governing human blood stem cell differentiation into mature blood cells. Whenever the cells I study allow me, I spend my free time playing volleyball and hiking. And when I get even luckier, enjoy having tea with friends while knitting.

The Sports and Societies Officers are responsible for maintaining the gym and for overseeing Darwin’s sports and societies. They are also responsible for organising the Darwin-Wolfson Sports Day, a day of friendly competition against our sister college at Oxford, held every March. One officer is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hi, I’m Liz, in my second year of my PhD at the Department of Land Economy studying how energy policy influences the innovation of renewable energy technology. I love dancing, hiking, traveling and trying out new things - for example, I took up Archery in my first year in Cambridge. Chances are you will often see me around Darwin, be it in the dining hall, the garden or taking out one of the punts or kayaks. I’m always happy to chat so please don’t hesitate to reach out or say hello if you see me around!

Hey, I’m Dom, I am currently in my 2nd year of my PhD studying plant science at the Sainsbury Lab in the botanic garden. My research explores the mechanical stress responses of plants and explore how they are able to detect touch and push back against it. While not in the lab I love to run and hike, anything outdoors basically and am recently getting into reading so I’m taking book suggestions. Here to talk over whatever drink takes your fancy, love a good natter so feel free to approach me around the college:)

The Welfare Officers are the student contact for students who are in need of help or advice. The two can advise you how to deal with any issues you face and who you should contact to get the help you need. Together, they organise welfare events throughout the year, such as Welfare Teas and Welfare Walks. Drop us an email or come find us on Facebook or College, if you need anything or just want to have a chat!

Hi all! My name is Sofia, I’m a third-year Zoology PhD student studying bumblebees. I run Darwin’s Beekeeping Society, as well as the Wine and Cheese Society. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, salsa dancing, and exploring the new Jack’s gelato flavors. Feel free to reach out if you ever want to chat.

The Women's Officer is responsible for representing and furthering the needs of students who identify as women/non-binary and promoting issues of gender, inclusivity, and accessibility. The Women’s Officer is responsible for campaigning to ensure that students' bodily autonomy is respected in all areas relevant to their sexual and reproductive health, tackling sexual violence and harassment in education, and working with student activists, officers and sector experts to remove barriers to support and justice for survivors and for institutions to be held accountable for failing to keep students safe. The Office ensures that Darwin is effective in its representation of the community it represents within the University and that the college is sensitive to these students' needs and issues.

Kia ora! I'm Joshua, from Aotearoa/New Zealand, and I'm a physics PhD student specialising in fusion modelling. You'll catch me in the music room or at the bar - come say hi!

Hello everybody! I am Siggi, going into my second year studying the environmental impact of the food system and the use of choice architecture interventions to promote sustainable food choices. I am originally from Iceland, but have lived in the UK for most of my adult life, first in London and then for nearly 15 years here in Cambridge. I have a background in medicine and law, but now devote most of my time and energy towards climate and social justice. Outside of that I can be found running around Cambridge for extensive periods of time for no obvious reason, and also if it is sunny cycling aimlessly around the surrounding countryside. I also regularly attempt something that could generously be described as singing with the Darwin choir.

The College Council Reps are elected by the students to represent them in College Council meetings and other college committees. They also report the business of College Council to the DCSA, and provide feedback to college on student interests. One rep is elected in November, and the other is elected in May.

Hey hey, I’m Aidan! I’m a third-year PhD student in Computer Science, researching the mathematical foundations of computer science (“P vs NP” stuff for those familiar). I grew up in the US and spend much of my free time traveling and trying out new hobbies. Among many others, I’m highly involved in the university’s gymnastics club and yacht sailing club. You’ll likely find me chilling in DarBar with friends so if you have any bar- or adventure-related questions, feel free to come say hi!

DarBar is the college bar and is totally run and staffed by Darwin students. The Bar Chair presides over the Bar Committee and the large group of bartenders, and makes sure everyone can enjoy the bar, whilst keeping a safe and welcoming space both for customers and staff. If you have any questions or ideas for making Darbar even better please get in contact with the email above. The Bar Chair is elected by the Bar Committee annually.